Acer unveils new line-up, eyes increased market share in UAE

Acer unveiled its new line-up of touch-based products portfolio at its first-ever annual showcase in Dubai on Wednesday.

The Taiwanese company, which is No.1 for the last 16 quarters in consumer notebook, is looking for increased market share following the launch of new products.

Newly launched products include Aspire R series convertible notebooks, Aspire Switch series 2-in-1 PCs, Iconia series tablets, a Liquid series smartphone, and a sneak peek in to Acer’s plans for a wearable technology device.

The last quarter’s performance demonstrated the company’s turnaround is on track with a return to growth and profitability. Acer is now focusing on pursuing excellence through a wide product range, creating outstanding value for regional users at all price points.

Acer came back to profit during the first half of the year and also witnessed increased sales and market share, Acer vice president for Middle East and Africa (MEA)
David Drummond told Khaleej Times after the launch.

The company witnessed market shares between 9.5 per cent to 15.7 per cent in PC segment during the January to June, 2014 period and it is looking for 18 per cent in 2014, Drummond explained. Last year, Acer recorded $12.02 billion revenues. “The importance and strength of the Middle East market is growing every day. Acer’s strategy of focusing on key areas of mobility, smartphones and peripherals, as well as owning the market in new categories such as 2-in-1 devices, has proved very successful. We continue to venture into new areas and segments like wearable technology, and we already have a leading market position in a number of countries across the Middle East,” Drummond said. He mentioned that mobility devices are huge driver, as people want mobility devices instead of stationery computing.

Talking about Gitex Shopper, he replied: “We won’t be offering full range with the Gitex Shopper, but a few smartphones.” Full range of new products will be available after Gitex Shopper in the fourth quarter, he added.

Acer strives to break down barriers between people and technology and make its products available as well as affordable for everyone, Drummond said, adding: “Being consumer-centric has always been part of Acer’s DNA and the continuation of that heritage is clearly visible.”

Touch more

Acer’s annual showcase was under the heading of “A Touch More” which has become a running theme through the organisation’s regional operations.

Targeting ‘modern day explorers’ and style-conscious consumers, the campaign focuses on highlighting innovation in touch screen technology and form factors and connect the brand with the sense of touch associated with how people use devices. The campaign focuses particularly on Acer’s flagship Aspire and Iconia brands across their range of touch enabled notebooks, convertibles, 2-in-1 PCs and tablets. The new Aspire V Nitro series notebooks, including the Black Edition models, are powerful and elegant for ambitious people who enjoy pure entertainment to go with their creativity. The Aspire R and the Aspire Switch series with multi-modes enhance peoples’ lives for work and play. Acer also has a new line-up of tablets including three outstanding additions: The Iconia Tab 8 W, an 8-inch Windows 8.1 tablet for productivity on the go; the Iconia Tab 10, a 10-inch tablet for people who prefer a larger screen for personal entertainment; and the Iconia One 8, a new 8-inch tablet for people who want a light and portable tablet which is ideal for dynamic multimedia enjoyment, anywhere.

Bolstering Acer’s showcase, three models have been the leading focus in Acer’s smartphone portfolio in the Middle East — the Liquid Z4, Liquid Z5 and Acer’s flagship device, Liquid E3 — for the budget conscious do-it-all, connected users. Adding to this portfolio Acer launched the Liquid Jade – the perfect match for anyone looking for style, elegance and fashion, encompassing do-it-all users as well as trendsetters looking for the latest design trends.

— abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com